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Ct

A couple of my vines are dying off from the stump down to about 5 or 6 feet.Leaves yellowing and eventually turning brown. Is this the begginning of the end or could they be diseased? How do I know when to harvest and that they have stopped growing completely?

9/17/2008 8:11:49 AM

Midwest

How big is that plant? It sounds like a disease because vines really don't turn brown/mushy from old age. If the side vines are still ok, keep until weight-off but, you can't get much from the brown ones if they are diseased. You could leave the healthly parts and pull the brown parts... many growers do that and still get growth IF the healthy parts are rooted down.

9/17/2008 2:09:31 PM

Utah

pumpkins reportedly can keep gaining weight upto a week after they have stopped growing. Measure to see when pumpkin growth stops. it doesn't hurt to leave them on the vine.
dieing, brittle, and yellowing leaves near the stump are normal this time of year. ... old plants... diseases can also contribute and accelerate the problem.

9/17/2008 3:21:45 PM

Minnesota

Your suppose to buy a turkey thermometer and stick it in there, you know the kind of turkey when its done, it pops out. (joking)

9/17/2008 3:22:56 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Gordon is right, keep it plugged in (into the soil) as long as you can.

9/17/2008 11:46:08 PM

Ct

Should I still fertilize with fish/ seaweed spray?

9/18/2008 9:08:23 AM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

I've been fertilizing with just neptunes seaweed this time of year.

9/18/2008 9:14:37 AM

Ct

My vines aren't brown and mushy, just the first 5 feet of leaves are dying off on one of my vines.

9/18/2008 10:02:23 AM

South East

If the plant is old then the first leafs to age and get old wil be the ones ate the stump. slowly going outwords. At this time of year, your plant is most like of age and its lifecycle coming to an end. So how old is your plant?
It could be to much water due to rain..and as far as disease goes you would have to post picture and be more specific,,,yellowing leafs fit a number of diseases. Fish/seaweed mixes can be done towards the end of growth. I prefer only seaweed in the last month myself.

9/18/2008 11:02:06 AM